This chapter shall govern high-piled combustible storage, and the design, installation, operation and maintenance of any building, structure or premises used for such purpose.
Such other information, regarding design features, commodities, storage arrangement and fire protection features within the high-piled storage area, as may be required by the commissioner to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
Where the area of the high-piled combustible storage requires a permit, the owner shall prepare and familiarize employees with an egress plan that indicates the location and width of aisles, exits, exit access doors, exit signs, height of storage and location of hazardous materials. Such plan shall be maintained in an approved location and shall be made available for inspection by any representative of the department.
All buildings, structures and premises that contain high-piled combustible storage shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this chapter. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, the following material-specific requirements shall apply:
Commodities shall be classified as Class I, II, III, IV or high hazard in accordance with this section. Materials listed within each commodity classification are assumed to be unmodified for improved combustibility characteristics. Use of flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of the material could change the classification. Group A, B and C plastic commodities are classified in FC3203.7 and plastic shelving and pallets are addressed in FC3208.2.1.
Class I commodities are essentially noncombustible products on wooden pallets, in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single-thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without pallets. Class I commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics in accordance with FC3203.7.4. Examples of Class I commodities include the following:
Alcoholic beverages not more than 20-percent alcohol
Cement in bags
Ceramics
Dairy products in nonwax-coated containers (excluding bottles)
Class II commodities are Class I products in slatted wooden crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard cartons or equivalent combustible packaging material with or without pallets. Class II commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics in accordance with FC3203.7.4. Examples of Class II commodities include the following:
Alcoholic beverages not more than 20-percent alcohol, in combustible containers
Class III commodities are commodities of wood, paper, natural fiber cloth, or Group C plastics or products thereof, with or without pallets. Products are allowed to contain limited amounts of Group A or B plastics, such as metal bicycles with plastic handles, pedals, seats and tires. Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with FC3203.7.4. Examples of Class III commodities include the following:
Class IV commodities are Class I, II or III products containing Group A plastics in ordinary corrugated cartons and Class I, II and III products, with Group A plastic packaging, with or without pallets. Group B plastics and free-flowing Group A plastics are also included in this class. The total amount of nonfree-flowing Group A plastics shall be in accordance with FC3203.7.4. Examples of Class IV commodities include the following:
High-hazard commodities are high-hazard products presenting special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, III or IV. Group A plastics not otherwise classified are included in this class. Examples of high-hazard commodities include the following:
Group A plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion that is much higher than that of ordinary combustibles, and a burning rate higher than that of Group B plastics. Examples of Group A plastics include the following:
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer)
Acetal (polyformaldehyde)
Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate)
Butyl rubber
EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber)
FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polyester)
Natural rubber (expanded)
Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber)
PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
Polybutadiene
Polycarbonate
Polyester elastomer
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
Polystyrene (expanded and unexpanded)
Polyurethane (expanded and unexpanded)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride more than 15 percent plasticized, e.g., coated fabric unsupported film)
Group B plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion and a burning rate higher than that of ordinary combustibles, but not as high as those of Group A plastics. Examples of Group B plastics include the following:
Group C plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion and a burning rate similar to those of ordinary combustibles. Examples of Group C plastics include the following:
FC Figure 3203.7.4 shall be used to determine the quantity of Group A plastics allowed to be stored in a package or carton or on a pallet without increasing the commodity classification.
This figure is intended to determine the commodity classification of a mixed commodity in a package, carton or on a pallet where plastics are involved.
The following is an example of how to apply the figure: A package containing a Class III commodity has 12-percent Group Aexpanded plastic by volume. The weight of the unexpanded Group A plastic is 10 percent. This commodity is classified as a Class IV commodity. If the weight of the unexpanded plastic is increased to 14 percent, the classification changes to a high-hazard commodity.
The designation of a high-piled combustible storage area, or portion thereof, is allowed to be based on a lower hazard class than that of the highest class of commodity stored when a limited quantity of the higher hazard commodity has been demonstrated by engineering analysis to be adequately protected by the sprinkler system provided. The engineering analysis shall consider the ability of the sprinkler system to deliver the higher density required by the higher hazard commodity. The higher density shall be based on the actual storage height of the pile or rack and the minimum allowable design area for sprinkler operation as set forth in the density/area figures provided in NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. The contiguous area occupied by the higher hazard commodity shall not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2), and additional areas of higher hazard commodity shall be separated from other such areas by 25 feet (7620 mm) or more. The sprinkler system shall be capable of delivering the higher density over a minimum area of 900 square feet (84 m2) for wet pipe systems and 1,200 square feet (111 m2) for dry pipe systems. The shape of the design area shall be in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code.
Smoking is prohibited in high-piled storage areas. "No Smoking" signs complying with the requirements of FC310 shall be conspicuously posted in such areas.
When restocking is not being conducted, aisles shall be kept clear of stored or waste material. Firedepartment access doors, aisles and exit doors shall not be obstructed. During restocking operations using manual stocking methods, a minimum unobstructed aisle width of 24 inches (610 mm) shall be maintained in 48-inch (1219-mm) or smaller aisles, and a minimum unobstructed aisle width of one-half of the required aisle width shall be maintained in aisles greater than 48 inches (1219 mm). During mechanical stocking operations, a minimum unobstructed aisle width of 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be maintained in accordance with FC3206.9.
Where required by FC Table 3206.2, fire detection systems, smoke and heat removal, draft curtains and sprinkler design densities shall extend the lesser of 15 feet (4572 mm) beyond the high-piled storage area or to a permanent partition. Where portions of high-piled storage areas have different fire protection requirements because of commodity, method of storage or storage height, the fire protection features required by FC Table 3206.2 within this area shall be based on the most restrictive design requirements.
FC TABLE 3206.2 GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Piles shall be separated by aisles complying with the requirements of FC3206.9.
For storage in excess of the height indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Note g when required by the commissioner. See also FC Chapters 51 and 57 for special limitations for aerosols and flammable and combustible liquids.
For storage exceeding 30 feet in height, Option 1 shall be used.
Special fire protection provisions including fire protection of exposed steel columns; increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack sprinklers, without associated reductions in ceiling sprinkler density; or additional firedepartment hose connections shall be provided when required by the commissioner.
High-piled storage areas shall not exceed 500,000 square feet. A 2-hour fire wall constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code shall be used to divide high-piled storage exceeding 500,000 square feet in area.
Not required when storage areas are protected throughout by early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B.
The aggregate of all high-piled storage areas within a building shall be used for application of FC Table 3206.2 unless such areas are separated from each other by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barrier walls constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. Openings in such walls shall be protected by opening protective assemblies having a 1-hour fire protection rating.
Where building access is required by FC Table 3206.2, fire apparatus access roads in accordance with FC503 shall be provided within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the exterior walls of buildings used for high-piled storage.
Exception: Where fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of topography, railways, waterways, non-negotiable grades or other similar conditions, the commissioner may require additional fire protection.
Where building access is required by FC Table 3206.2, firedepartment access doors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Access doors shall be accessible without the use of a ladder.
A minimum of one access door shall be provided in each 100 lineal feet (30 480 mm), or fraction thereof, of the exterior walls which face required fire apparatus access roads. The required access doors shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent access doors does not exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm).
Aisles crossing rack structures or storage piles, which are used only for employee access between aisles shall be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) wide.
Aisles separating shelves classified as shelf storage shall be a minimum of 30 inches (762 mm) wide.
Aisles in buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system shall be a minimum of 44 inches (1118 mm) wide. Aisles shall be a minimum of 96 inches (2438 mm) wide in high-piled storage areas that exceed 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area, and that are accessible to the public and designated to contain high-hazard commodities.
Exception: Aisles in high-piled storage areas exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area, that are accessible to the public and designated to contain high-hazard commodities, and that are protected throughout by a sprinkler system designed for multiple-row racks of high-hazard commodities, shall be a minimum of 44 inches (1118 mm) wide.
Aisles shall be a minimum of 96 inches (2438 mm) wide in areas accessible to the public where mechanical stocking methods are used.
The required aisle width shall extend from floor to ceiling. Rack structural supports and catwalks are allowed to cross aisles at a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) above the finished floor level, provided that such supports do not interfere with firedepartment hose stream trajectory.
Shelf storage and storage in solid piles, solid piles on pallets and bin box storage in bin boxes not exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) in any dimension, shall be designed and maintained in accordance with FC3206 and this section.
Where sprinkler systems are required for solid-piled and shelf storage pursuant to FC Table 3206.2, a sprinkler system shall be provided in any area containing such storage that is enclosed in 1-hour fire-rated walls in accordance with the Building Code, or, if such storage is not enclosed within such fire-rated walls, throughout the building. Openings in such walls shall be protected by opening protective assemblies having 1-hour fire protection ratings. The design and installation of the sprinkler system and other applicable fire protection shall be in accordance with this code, the construction codes, including the Building Code, and NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B.
Shelf storage greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) but less than 15 feet (4572 mm) in height shall be in accordance with the fire protection requirements set forth in NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. Shelf storage 15 feet (4572 mm) or more in height shall be protected in an approved manner with special fire protection, such as in-rack sprinklers.
Where a sprinkler system design utilizes protection based on a closed array, array clearances shall be provided and maintained as specified by the standard used.
Rack storage shall be designed and maintained in accordance with FC3206 and this section. Bin boxes exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) in any dimension shall be regulated as rack storage.
Where a sprinkler system is required for rack storage pursuant to FC Table 3206.2, a sprinkler system shall be provided in any area containing such storage that is enclosed in 1-hour fire-rated walls in accordance with the Building Code, or, if such storage is not enclosed within such fire-rated walls, throughout the building. Openings in such walls shall be protected by opening protective assemblies having 1-hour fire protection ratings. The design and installation of the sprinkler system and other applicable fire protection shall be in accordance with this code, the construction codes, including the Building Code, and NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B.
Storage on plastic pallets or plastic shelves shall be protected by approved specially-engineered fire protection systems, except that plastic pallets listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2335 or FM 4996 shall be treated as wood pallets for determining required sprinkler protection.
Racks with solid shelving having an area greater than 32 square feet (3 m2), measured between approved flue spaces at all four edges of the shelf, shall be in accordance with this section.
Exceptions:
Racks with mesh, grated, slatted or similar shelves having uniform openings not more than 6 inches (152 mm) apart, comprising at least 50 percent of overall shelf area, and with approved flue spaces, are allowed to be treated as racks without solid shelves.
Racks used for the storage of combustible paper records, with solid shelving, shall be in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B.
Flue spaces shall be provided in accordance with FC Table 3208.3. Required flue spaces shall be maintained. When the flue spaces are not being maintained, the department may require the installation of approved devices to protect the flue spaces by preventing the placement or storage of obstructing materials in such spaces. Such protective devices shall not be removed or modified without department approval.
High-piled storage areas having greater than 500 square feet (46 m2) of carousel storage shall be provided with automatic shutdown in accordance with one of the following:
An automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code, with coverage extending 15 feet (4572 mm) in all directions beyond unenclosed carousel storage systems and which sounds a local alarm at the operator's station and stops the carousel storage system upon the activation of a single detector.
An automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code and within enclosed carousel storage systems, that sounds a local alarm at the operator's station and stops the carousel storage system upon the activation of a single detector.
A single dead-man-type control switch that allows the operation of the carousel storage system only when the operator is present. The switch shall be in the same room as the carousel storage system and located to allow for observation of the carousel system.
High-piled storage areas with automated rack storage shall be provided with a manually activated emergency shutdown switch for use by firefighters and other emergency response personnel. The switch shall be clearly marked and shall be located at the fire command center. In buildings without a fire command center, such switch shall be located in a conspicuous, readily accessible location near the entrance to the building, occupancy or area containing the automated rack storage, or other approved location.
Records storage facilities used for the rack or shelf storage of combustible paper records greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC 3206 and 3208 and NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B. Palletized storage of records shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC3207.
